LEBANON – EU seeks extension of the UN mission, Kallas: There must be no security vacuum

BEIRUT, Oct 8 /ATSH-AFP/ – The European Union supports extending the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL, warning of the risk of creating a security vacuum if international forces leave without a sustainable alternative.

The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, made the statement during her visit to Lebanon, in an interview for AFP.

“Our member countries have said that there can be no security vacuum in southern Lebanon, so everyone is concerned about the end of UNIFIL’s mandate,” Kallas said.

She added that an extension of the mandate would be “very welcome” and that this is the position of the EU member countries.

UNIFIL’s current mandate has been approved by the UN Security Council until 31 December 2026.

Resolution 2790, adopted in 2025, provides that after that date the mission will begin an organised and safe withdrawal, which will take place during 2027.

However, recent developments on the ground have added to concerns that UNIFIL’s departure could create a risk of destabilising southern Lebanon.

UNIFIL itself declared on 1 October that the mission’s departure in the current circumstances, without a strong alternative mechanism, could create a “significant security vacuum”.

UNIFIL, or the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, is a UN peacekeeping mission that has operated in southern Lebanon since 1978.

After the Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006, its mandate was expanded, including monitoring the cessation of hostilities, supporting the Lebanese army and efforts to maintain stability along the border line between Lebanon and Israel.

According to the UN, the mission also helps facilitate humanitarian access, monitors developments on the ground and uses communication channels with the parties to prevent escalation of the situation.

Resolution 2790 also requires Israel to withdraw its forces north of the Blue Line, while the Lebanese authorities must deploy their forces in the relevant areas and strengthen state control in the south of the country.